The Business Marketplace: How to Buy or Sell with Confidence

Overview

Buying or selling a business is one of the biggest financial and strategic decisions an entrepreneur, owner, or investor can make. But the process can feel unclear, intimidating, and full of moving parts.

Join us at the Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center for a focused panel discussion on what actually happens when business deals get done.

This session brings together professionals with real-world experience in valuation, financing, brokerage, financial planning, digital growth, and exit strategy. Whether you are looking to acquire a business, preparing yours for sale, or simply trying to understand how the process works, you will gain practical insight from people who work directly in the deal-making space.

Our panel will cover:

• How businesses are realistically valued in today’s market
• What buyers should know before making an offer
• How sellers can position their business for a successful exit
• Financing, deal structure, and negotiation dynamics
• Common pitfalls that can derail a transaction

Panelists include a seasoned entrepreneur and broker, CPA, financial advisor, and digital growth expert—each bringing a different perspective to the buying and selling process. Moderated by entrepreneurship faculty, the discussion will connect strategy with execution.

If you are serious about entering—or exiting—the business marketplace, this session will give you a clearer path forward.

Featured Panelists

• Bryan Johnson, MBA, CCIM
  Serial entrepreneur, investor, and real estate expert with more than two decades of experience in development and brokerage.
• Brett Morrison, CPA
  Managing Partner at Jennings, Hawley & Co., P.C.
• Elizabeth Ackman, CFP, CEPA
  Financial Advisor at Edward Jones.
• Keith Heavilin
  Founder & President at YellowFin Digital, specializing in SEO and digital scaling.
• Moderator: Dr. Kent Byus, Entrepreneurship Faculty.

Who Should Attend?

Aspiring Buyers & Entrepreneurs
Learn what to consider before acquiring an existing business and why buying may be a faster path to ownership than starting from scratch.

Business Owners & Sellers
Understand how to prepare your business for a successful transition and improve its value before going to market.

Investors & Executives
Gain insight into valuation, financing, deal structure, and transaction strategy in the local business marketplace.